Unable to Make 185 Lbs, Alex Pereira Refuses to Budge but Keeps Israel Adesanya Rematch a Distant Possibility
UFC 303 is just a few weeks away, and the fans are super excited about the event. One of the biggest attractions of the night is Alex Pereira. The Current light heavyweight champion is all set to defend his title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in the main event.
Both fighters have had rivalries in the past after âPoatanâ knocked Prochazka out to win the title at UFC 295. However, there is no bigger rival for Alex Pereira than Israel Adesanya. The pair put on a show for the fans during their clashes in the middleweight division. But it seems the Brazilian is done with Izzy now.
Alex Pereira has only one condition to face Israel Adesanya next in his careerADVERTISEMENT
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Very few rivalries in the UFC have been as intense as Pereira and Adesanyaâs rivalry. The two fighters have faced each other twice in their UFC career and the score is leveled at 1-1. Pereira initially defeated Adesanya to win the middleweight title. However, in their next clash, âThe Last Stylebenderâ won back his title with a clinical knockout victory.
Pereira, since then, has made a move to the light heavyweight division, and it seems their rivalry is finally over. The Brazilian has no interest in fighting the former champion anymore. âNo, I wouldnât go back to middleweight to face Israel Adesanya,â Poatan said in a conversation with Stake.com.
One of the biggest concerns for Pereira has always been making weight for the middleweight division. He has always been vocal about his problems with making weights. He is enjoying his time in the light heavyweight division and has no plans to move to middleweight.
âI donât even think I can make 185lbs anymore, plus I feel super motivated at light heavyweight. If there were talks about another match with him (Adesanya), it would have to be at light heavyweight,â Pereira added.
Currently, both fighters are focusing on their upcoming matches, and the trilogy fight is a far-fetched dream. Pereira took up the UFC 303 fight on short notice but the Brazilian is up for it. He is working extremely hard on his technique and took to his YouTube channel to share the details.
Alex Pereira is working on his defense before his clash at UFC 303ADVERTISEMENT
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Most fans feel that the Brazilian will have a tough time making the weight. However, Pereira has taken a strict approach in his training and is geared up for the clash. The Brazilian released a video on his YouTube channel titled, âAlex Pereiraâs FULL SPARRING Session in Australiaâ12 days until UFC 303â˛. âPoatanâ can be seen indulging in an intense sparring session, and it seems he has devised a new training plan.
While fine-tuning his punches and sparring sessions he said, âGot to learn to defend, to attack. Iâm waiting for it. He wonât cross from here look (while showing the stance). Look, he is here, throw the jabâŚGot to go in the sequence, come in throw the jab.â Pereiraâs coach Plinio also agreed and gave away his input. âTold him he is here. Lefty has to throw like this. Then again, you know everything,â Plinio said.
Prochazka is fresh off a victory in his last fight and is running high on confidence. However, he will need to be at his best when he takes on the light heavyweight champion.
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Who do you think will win the clash at UFC 303? Let us know in the comments below.
